Cool School

Just finished: The library media center on the second floor of the school is just about finished.

By Tom Haroldson

Special to Portage Gazette

PORTAGE -- History will be made when the new Portage Central High School is unveiled in a grand opening celebration 4-6:50 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 26.

The public is invited to visit the $41 million school which replaced the old Central High School, which was recently demolished.

The Friday event, that comes shortly before the Mustangs first football game of the 2011 season, marks the end of more than 19 months of construction. Welcoming the gathering will be Central High Principal Eric Alburtus.

Central office: At the new Portage Central High School, Principal Eric Alburtus, center, talks with teacher-coach Greg Chambers while staff member Diana Buckstaff gets familiar with the new computers.

Also on the schedule will be a ceremonial balloon release of eco-friendly, biodegradable balloons, symbolizing the beginning of a new era for the district's first high school, school officials said.

The event will conclude across South Westnedge Avenue at McCamley Field with the kickoff of the first home varsity football game against Harbor Creek at 7 p.m.

The $60 million building broke ground on May 22, 2009, two years after voters approved a $119 million bond program that also included renovations to Portage Northern High School, a new Lake Center Elementary School and a new 12th Street Elementary School.

More light: Brad Plunkett, above left, of Hall Builders, installs a window valance in one of the new classrooms at Portage Central.

The new Portage Central High School features a state-of-the-art media center, welcome center, nonclassroom work spaces for yearbook, newspaper and student council groups, a large commons area, computer labs and broadcasting studio.

Here are facts the school district compiled about the construction:

$41 million cost

19 months to complete

560 working days for completion

Lobby: A view from the second floor of the new Portage Central High lobby shows the central office on the left and a reception area on the right.

420,000 working hours

5,300 yards of concrete

151 miles of electrical wire

72 miles of data cable

160,000 ceiling tiles

24 miles of wire ties

200 tons of steel

400,000 concrete blocks

150,000 bricks

1,305 yards of grout

Lobby call: In the new lobby area, workers put on the finishing touches while parents, students and staff chat. From left: Kristen Fillar, Sydney Fillar, Taylor Fillar and Kent White.

New school: The front of the new Portage Central High School will be busy during its open house 5-6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26.